Minister briefed on mental health services in Waterford during day-long visit

The Minister of State at the Department of Health has visited a number of the HSE's mental health service facilities in Waterford. 

Deputy Mary Butler, who has special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, visited the Waterford Primary Care Centre in John’s Hill, where she was updated on the operation of the Crisis Resolution Team and its associated Crisis Café project.

She then called to the Grangemore residential unit, situated on the grounds of St. Otteran’s Hospital, which provides mental health care and rehabilitation to 14 residents. The Minister-of-State was also welcomed to Brook House, a mental health day services centre located at Cork Road, Waterford. 

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Waterford Crisis Resolution Team and Crisis Café 

The HSE’s 2021 Operational Service Plan on Mental Health committed to the provision of five Crisis Resolution Teams and Crisis Cafes, as part of a phased development plan in line with “Sharing the Vision” to implement alternatives to acute inpatient care and Emergency Department. presentations through integrated care. One of these CRTs commenced in Waterford in July 2023. 

Based in Waterford Primary Care Centre, referrals to Waterford CRT are currently being accepted from Community Mental Health Teams, the Department of Psychiatry and Liaison Psychiatry.  

The Solace Crisis Café forms part of a wider national initiative to develop and expand hours of mental health support in line with “Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone” and the national model of care for crisis resolution services. 

Following a recent tender process, the non-governmental organisation AWARE has been chosen by the HSE as the café provider in Waterford. Preparations are under way with the aim of having the Café operational in early 2025. The purpose of this service in Waterford will be to provide a free out-of-hours non-clinical and supportive community space for any adult experiencing a mental health crisis. The café will offer information and signposting to services and can also be accessed by family members and carers. 

Grangemore: 

For the fourth year running, the Mental Health Commission recorded a 100% compliance rate in its inspections of the HSE’s Grangemore residential unit. 

Whilst visiting Grangemore, Ms Butler said she was delighted to see the collaboration involving the Waterford Healing Arts Trust, the Waterford Walls project and local users of the mental health services. Under guidance of the HSE’s Rehabilitation and Recovery team members, working with Dublin based illustrator and mural artist Juliette Viodé, two colourful mural pieces (depicting scenery around the Metal Man maritime beacons in Tramore) were produced on external walls at Grangemore. This project is one of many activities that enhance the lives of those using Grangemore and impresses its visitors. 

Brook House: 

The HSE’s Brook House provides a variety of recovery focused programmes and activities. Referral to Brook House is through Community Mental Health Team. On receipt of a referral, the nursing staff in Brook House assess an individuals’ need and identify the appropriate group, activity and support. The Recovery Team based at Brook House includes Nurses, Counsellors, Health Care Assistants and other administrative and support staff. 

Service users attending Brook House over the course of a week. Services provided there include individual nursing support, relapse prevention education, music group, visual arts, living well programme, liaison with voluntary bodies, Recovery College South East and access to Peer and Family Support Workers.